Grid Enhancing Technologies Grant Program

The Grid Enhancing Technologies Program Opportunity Notice (PON) 6149 is administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, a public benefit corporation responsible for advancing energy innovation and supporting the transition to a clean, resilient energy system across New York State. This funding opportunity is part of NYSERDA’s broader grid modernization strategy, which seeks to transform the electric transmission and distribution system to accommodate increased penetration of renewable energy resources, improve system reliability, and enable advanced grid operations. The program is aligned with statewide clean energy goals and is informed by collaboration with utilities and technical working groups focused on system planning and modernization. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to accelerate the development and deployment of Grid Enhancing Technologies that improve the performance, efficiency, resiliency, and operational flexibility of the electric grid. The solicitation supports projects that address technical and economic barriers to adopting innovative grid solutions, including technologies related to advanced conductors, artificial intelligence for data analytics, monitoring and control systems, cybersecurity, and climate resilience. Projects must demonstrate measurable benefits to the grid and contribute to improved transmission utilization, integration of inverter-based resources, and enhanced situational awareness for grid operators. Funding is available for two categories of projects: product development and demonstration. Product development projects focus on advancing technologies toward commercialization, including design, testing, and scaling activities, while demonstration projects validate the performance of commercially available solutions in real-world conditions. Each project may receive up to three million dollars in funding, with a total program allocation of up to twenty four million dollars. All projects require a minimum cost share of fifty percent from the applicant or project partners. Product development projects exceeding one hundred thousand dollars in NYSERDA funding are subject to recoupment provisions based on future product revenues. Eligibility for this program is broad and includes commercial firms, manufacturers, research organizations, universities, government agencies, and other stakeholders capable of delivering projects that provide benefits to New York State. Applicants must demonstrate a New York State nexus, which may include having a physical presence in the state, conducting project activities within the state, or locating demonstration projects in New York. Projects must also align with the program’s technical focus areas and deliver public benefits such as improved grid reliability, resilience, and support for clean energy integration. The application process follows a multi step structure beginning with the submission of a concept paper. Concept papers are limited to four pages and must describe the proposed solution, its relevance to New York State, and anticipated outcomes. Approved concept papers are invited to submit full proposals, which include detailed technical, financial, and commercialization plans. Submissions are reviewed by a scoring committee based on criteria such as technical merit, cost effectiveness, commercialization potential, and team qualifications. Full proposals are required to use specific templates and include supporting documentation such as statements of work, budgets, and readiness assessments. The timeline for this funding opportunity is continuous, with rolling submissions accepted until September 7, 2029 for concept papers and November 19, 2029 for full proposals, or until all funds are committed. Reviews occur on a recurring basis, and applicants may resubmit revised concept papers once if not initially selected. Award decisions are typically communicated within approximately twelve weeks following full proposal submission. Projects are expected to be completed within a maximum duration of thirty six months, with milestone based payments and performance reporting requirements throughout the project lifecycle. Applicants must adhere to submission guidelines, including file formatting, naming conventions, and required templates. Proposals must be submitted online when possible, although alternative submission methods are permitted. Contact for technical and programmatic questions is provided through designated NYSERDA representatives, ensuring compliance with procurement communication rules. Overall, this funding opportunity represents a significant investment in advancing grid technologies that support New York State’s transition to a modern, resilient, and clean energy system.

Align proposal with NYS clean energy goals; demonstrate commercialization pathway; ensure strong cost share and technical validation